Understanding how brain cells develop and connect in autism and related disorders

DEFINING MECHANISMS OF PROGENITOR BALANCE AND NEURONAL CONNECTIVITY

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11083035

This study is looking at how certain brain cells work together to form connections in the developing brain, which is important for understanding conditions like autism, and it uses special techniques to learn more about these processes.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083035 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms that regulate the balance of progenitor cells and the connectivity of neurons in the developing cerebral cortex. By studying how radial progenitors and intermediate progenitors interact, the research aims to uncover the molecular processes that lead to the proper formation of neuronal circuits. This understanding is crucial for addressing neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, where these processes may be disrupted. The research employs advanced techniques in cell lineage tracing and signaling analysis to explore these fundamental biological questions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or related neurodevelopmental conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders unrelated to progenitor cell balance or neuronal connectivity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and therapeutic strategies for treating autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neuronal development and connectivity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions autism spectral disorderautism spectrum disorderAutistic Disorderautistic spectrum disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.